Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard
PJV Quickie: I do feel that lately I’ve been gushing over books…it’s been some good reading lately, and AG Howard’s SPLINTERED is no different. Please pardon the gushing. I don’t think that even Tim Burton could capture the rich visual stimulation that is SPLINTERED if he were to make it into a movie.
Author: A.G. Howard
Type: Young Adult Fantasy
Published: January 1st 2013 by Amulet Books
Source: NetGalley
Review:
Alyssa Gardner is the descendent of Alice Liddel, the girl that inspired Lewis Carroll’s ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND. Alyssa is afflicted with the same thing all of the women of her family have suffered: madness. Alyssa hears the bugs and flowers talk to her, the same thing that landed her own mother in the mental facility. Alyssa believes that she, like her mother, is insane and destined for an institution…
…Until a visit from a moth and a look into a mirror. Alyssa comes to realize that Alice did have visited a place called Underland but it was nothing like the fanciful depiction by Carroll – it is much more darker and terrifying.
SPLINTERED was a fantastic young adult fantasy tale, rich in imagination and creative depictions. The characters were larger than life, gritty and over-the-top with dark insanity. It was like taking Alice’s tale, infusing it with edgy, fringe modernism, spicing it up with romance and adding a thrilling amount of violence. The plot was complex, more then you usually see in young adult novels and recreations. I was charmed and entertained and Howard spoke to my inner fringer — begging her to come out and play. I want more.
Recommendations: Recommended for older teens, there is a tad bit of violence and some mature content, though nothing too intense. The writing and gritty feeling was reminiscent of authors like Melissa Marr, so if you’ve enjoyed authors of the darker, fantastical variety, you’ll love A.G. Howard.
Similar Young Adult Fantasy Novels & 5 Star Ratings:
Rating: 
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I do enjoy a more complex plot sometimes. And I think lots of my teens do too. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment. I think complex plots have their place, along with straight-forward and simple…this one worked though
This one sounds awesome and I was already excited for it but after you compared it to Melissa Marr’s books, I’m definitely going to be checking it out. Great review!
Yes! Right after I read this one I picked up Carnival of Souls, the two definitely have a dark streak. I think Marr is a little more perverted…but she’s had more pratice
Agreed! This book was phenomenal!
Yup
I’m reading this now and I’m really enjoying it! I was a little worried it would be another case of Alice in Zombieland, but I’m happy to see that is so not the case. Although, I don’t particularly care for Jeb, he doesn’t seem to ruin the story for me.
I did enjoy the Zombieland, but just cause Gena can do no wrong with me. It is a complex…though nothing to do with Wonderland or real zombies. I should have hated it…this is not the case. I wasn’t won over by any of the boys in this book, just Alyssa. And the labret piercing, I think it should have been it’s own character, come alive or something…
The cover already called to me, but now that I’ve read your review I am very eager to get my hands on a copy soon.
I’m a total cover snob too…it works.
I am so glad you gave this book a high recommendation b/c the cover looked so cool and the premise sounded great. When you said that even Tim Burton couldn’t bring it to life…well now I have to read it.
You must. That wasn’t a strong statement was it?? Even though I had just watched Dark Shadows and was very under-whelmed by Mr. Burton.
Great review. I’m not big on Alice-in-Wonderland type stuff, but this sounds interesting. I added it to my TBR list.
Then you might not like this one Liesel. The Alice in Wonderlandy stuff is very in your face. Crazy cats and mad hatters galore.
I just got it in the mail. So glad I bought. Must read very soon. Great review. Loved all the gushing.
Yes you must! And thank you.
I feel the same way about books lately. I have had a bunch of 4 star reviews in a row, but it’s just that I have been lucky enough to be reading some really fabulous books! I really enjoyed this one too.
Book Utopia…nice place to be.
I absolutely loved this book!
I love Alice in Wonderland retellings so I have been anxiously awaiting this one. Glad to hear it was worth waiting for!
I don’t think I’ve read another Alice retelling, I’ll have to go see if I have. This was great though.
See I lie — I read Alice in ZOmbieland…how did I forget that. But I don’t really think of that as an Alice retelling because the only thing she had in common was the name…
YES! I want to read this so badly!
Whatcha waiting for?
I preordered this book!!! Can’t wait to read it.
!!!!
I enjoyed this too and loved the gothic details . I am a team
Oh good! I’m glad you were loving on this one. Finally we agree on hype LOL
It’s amazing how good reads can come pouring through. It’s also sometimes the same with the not so great reads. I loved your review!
Thanks! I always have the hardest time to write the mediocre reviews. Those kll me.
I am so glad that you liked Splintered. Gush away! I am planning on picking this one up sometime next week and I was hoping that the hype wouldn’t be a letdown. It sounds like a go!
Oh I hope you like it too. I’m not usually a sucker for hype, but this one was worth it.
LOVED this one! Absolutely LOVED it! By far one of my favorites so far! It going to take quite a bit to surpass this Alice story in my book! I can’t wait to ge this on my shelves!!!!
I have to buy this one too- or I think there are a few giveaways going on around her, maybe I’ll win one
I thought the descriptions and concept were good in this but I really couldn’t stand any of the characters. Alyssa seemed really weak and passive to me and I hated the controlling Jeb.
Awe that is a shame…
I’ve really been on the fence with the book. Your review definitely makes me want to check it out though!
Wow. Intriguing! The cover is amazing and really pulls me in. Might have to give this one a try. Thanks for the review and recommendation.
The cover is gorgeous, and it sounds intriguing. I’ve never read a retelling of fairy tales (or what have you). I know, shame on me. I’m going to get this one though. Thanks Rachel.
ooh I’ve been really curious about this one and now I definitely want to check it out!
I want to read this one SO BADLY. I almost picked it up in the bookstore yesterday but talked myself out of it since it is still at new book pricing and I’m broke. But with all these reviews talking about how amazing it it is, I wouldn’t be surprised if I broke down soon and got it anyway.
Don’t know why I’ve been on the fence about reading this, but the more awesome reviews I read about it, the more I’m dying to read it!
Loved this one! I just read and reviewed Splintered (great title btw), and I was impressed. Definitely would love to see Burton try to adapt this for the screen
Ninja Girl
Awesome review!!! I can’t wait to read this book!!!
I’m a new follower and a new blogger!!!
Have an amazing day
I just got this out of the library yesterday and can’t wait to read it now! It sounds great and the cover is just so beautiful lol.